We analyze the heterogeneous nucleation of liquid metallic phase from vapor on an electrically charged inhomogeneity. It is demonstrated theoretically that, regardless of magnitudes of surface tension of the phase interface and electric charge carried by the inhomogeneity, all spherical nuclei are necessarily unstable at all external pressures for which the system is undersaturated. In other words, small perturbations to the shape of the interface will cause it to move away from the equilibrium configuration. Our treatment of the problem is based on the continuum thermodynamic approach pioneered by Gibbs and Thomson.

• Received 24 January 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.095701